Retired nurse meets son of driver she saved from Detroit mob beating

Deborah Hughes said she waded into the angry mob, urging the attackers to back off before offering aid to the victim. The EMS arrived minutes later and transported Utash to St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit. (Elizabeth Conley / The Detroit News)

Detroit— Deborah Hughes, the retired nurse who rescued Steve Utash from an angry mob after he accidentally struck a 10-year-old boy with his pickup truck last week, met with the victim’s son Tuesday.

After meeting with Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who thanked her for her heroic action, Hughes was introduced to Utash’s son, Joe.

“He thanked me for what I did for his father and told me I’ll be with him forever,” Hughes said. “He said, ‘Get ready for me to be a part of your life from now on.’ ”

The attack occurred around 4:10 p.m. on April 2 when Utash, a tree trimmer, accidentally struck 10-year-old David Harris, near Morang and McKinney. Hughes, who lives across the street, said events unfolded quickly.

She first checked on the boy as Utash emerged from his truck. The crowd that gathered then attacked Utash.

Hughes said she waded into the angry mob, urging the attackers to back off before offering aid to the victim. The EMS arrived minutes later and transported Utash to St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit.

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